Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Longhorn Cowfish
Longhorn Cowfish
Lactoria cornuta
681 Litres (180 US G.)
40.6-50.8cm (16-20 ")
8.1 - 8.4
22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)
8-12 °d
1:3 M:F
2-8 years
Family
Ostraciidae
Contents
Additional names
- Longhorn Cowfish, Longhorn Boxfish, Yellow Boxfish
Additional scientific names
- Ostracion cornutus
Sexing[edit]
- No visible differences between male and female fish. In the wild, a single male are usually found with a group of females.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- Peaceful towards other tank mates. HOWEVER, not only can this fish be easily startled and injure itself trying to hide. It is also highly toxic. Its skin contains ostracitoxin. If it gets stressed out or sick, it will release a toxin into the water that will kill everything around it. It is perfectly capable of wiping out your entire tank. When introducing this fish, do not let ANY bag water into the tank, and during water changes if the fish needs to be taken out, put it in a container alone.
Diet[edit]
- Will take most meaty foods or vegetables.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Needs a large tank with plenty of hiding places. Not particularly reef safe as it will eat inverts. Excellent water quality is necessary to keep this fish happy and healthy. They don't appreciate strong currents.
Behaviour[edit]
- Slow swimming very curious fish. Will examine anything new in the tank very closely.
Identification[edit]
- Distinctive yellow cube shape with two long "horns" extending from it's forehead. As this fish matures, these "horns" will get shorter.
Pictures[edit]
Longhorn Cowfish
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
